French Vogue’s Fashion Primer

imageIf you feel as though you need a Fashion 101 crash course, pick up the August issue of Vogue Paris along with a French dictionary. The magazine devotes 65 pages– produced with the help of two photographers, three stylists, a handful of models, and a bevy of hairstylists and makeup artists– to “ADN de la Mode” (“Fashion DNA”), an explanation of what the big-time fashion designers are known for, from Paul Smith’s British-with-a-twist style to Calvin Klein’s easy attitude. And, not only does this story give the lay of the fashion land, but it also brings to light why Daria Werbowy is on the mag’s cover decked out in head-to-toe Burberry. The cover photo comes from the same photo shoot. If you want to go to the head of the class (or get a front row seat at Fashion Week), might we suggest making flashcards out of these glossy pages? To check out more on the August issue of Vogue, click over to our friends at The Frisky!

Fabulous Flapper Fashions For Vintage Fashionistas

imageToday’s modern woman thinks nothing of blow-drying her short hair, slipping into a skirt and blouse, driving to work and then heading out for a cocktail at the end of the day. But all these things wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the rebellion of the young ladies of the 1920s known as Flappers. These women–gasp!–showed their knees, exercised their independence, embraced their sexuality and did it all with style. Their unusual habit of walking around with their galoshes unfastened, making “flapper” sounds, lent them their name and fortunately they left behind some real gems for today’s vintage fashionistas. Just click the slideshow to see the selection!

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Wear An Outfit Inspired by Laduree French Macarons!

imageIn honor of Bastille Day which takes place on July 14th, we take inspiration from one of our favorite Parisian destinations, Laduree, the patisserie made famous by its delectable macarons. The luscious, crisp little cakes are filled with smooth creamy centers with flavors like jasmine, mango, bergamot, caramel with salted butter, red fruits, and orange blossom, just to name a few. The colors of these little treats are worthy of a trend story touting summer’s pastel infused fashions, many of which are marked down to make room for fall arrivals. So indulge in a sweet treat whether it be a macaron or pastel Elizabeth and James blouse, which you can pair with white jeans. Or how about these pretty Maloles flats? They’ll look charming with a fluttery silk summer dress. Even everyday basics like skinny jeans or classic aviators will look perfectly lovely for a quick jaunt to the patisserie for a box of what else? Pastel colored macarons, of course! To read more about translating this sweet treat into something wearable, check out our friends at The Find!

Customize Your Own Gentlemen’s League Bags!

imageThere is rarely an “it” bag that gets my interest up. I usually prefer tried and true classics or something a little off kilter and unique. Maybe that’s why I find the bags by the gentlemen’s league so intriguing; they are the polar opposite of an “it” bag. The two gentlemen’s league masterminds, Adam Razak and Seth Stevens, personally create each bag. The designers hold private one-on-one consultations where you can co-create a piece of original art in which you can carry your daily essentials! Starting with a utilitarian Mason bag, the design is then realized with indelible ink on the canvas. You choose the leather color and the size and then let them pick your brain. Once they have an idea of who you are (or what animal you are) and what you want, the designing begins. Then voila! Within a few weeks you have your own piece of art! The line has been a bespoke company, focused on custom orders, but now limited editions are available at New York boutique Debut. At over $2,000 a pop, I better start my gentlemen’s league fund now! Check out the slideshow to see some previous designs and get your own at gentlemensleague.com!

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Goodbye Lauren Conrad, Hello Pretty Blue Dresses!

imageWhen technology breaks down like my laptop did last week, I realized I had more downtime so I could finally finish up my DVR recordings of “The Hills.” As much as the show annoys me and I know it’s not real, I can’t stop watching — it’s my guilty pleasure! Anyway, In her “Hills” goodbye episode, Lauren Conrad wears this adorable blue Valentino dress. Although the dress itself is cute, what really caught my eye was how stunning the shade of blue is. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of this rich, versatile color. Some of my favorite dress picks in this particular shade include the Fiumicelli Reversible Cami dress, the Loeffler Randall pocket dress, and this Laila Azhar one-shoulder dress, all available at Shopbop!

See more at Coquette.

Bridesmaid Colors You Never Thought Of!

imageMaybe I’ve been to a lot of weddings, but I’ve seen more satin baby blue knee-length dresses than one girl ever should. Why are brides consistently drawn to boring pastels? Why not use your bridesmaid color to make a real fashion statement? Idea 1: Don’t fear pattern. Maybe you could incorporate polka dots into more than just a cute bridesmaid dress, like this Ellen Tracy Polka Dot Dress. It could be involved in your place settings, even the dishes. Or try a drip-tie-dye dress like this Jones New York Hot Pink Ombre Dress. It gives just a little more interest than a typical bridesmaid choice. Idea 2: Metallics. Silver and gold go with everything, and will look great flanking you on the altar. Check out my slideshow for other fun bridesmaid color ideas!

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Influential International Style: Chloe Sevigny

imageChloe Sevigny knows what she’s doing. She’s best known for her roles on Big Love and in Boys Don’t Cry, but also just as well-known for always looking cool and chic both on and off the red carpet. Though American-born, she seems to possess a European grace and polish to her clothing choices. As the face of fragrance for the house of Chloe, I know I’m not the only one that recognizes her subtle glamour. Her trick? Wearing neutrals and patterns that don’t overcome her own beauty, and keeping her hair long and loose. To get her look, choose individual pieces with wonderful detail like scalloping or a reserved lace. Check out my slideshow for Chloe Sevigny style tricks! Photo credit: PR Photos

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Line To Watch: PRISM London

imageTake glasses beyond a necessity and into being an accessory. Frames are as important as any other accessories, and maybe even more as they are on your face. Glasses are a way to express individuality and immediately change your look, even people who don’t even need glasses are even wearing them. PRISM frames are here to help you do just that. Inspired by vintage frames from the ’50s and ’60s the designer Anne Laub also pulled inspiration from street style in cities like New York, Paris and Rome- cities that also give each pair of frames there namesake. The unisex collection has bold frames in cat-eyed, oval and square shapes made in cool colors like midnight blue, zebra tortoise and clear. Each pair of glasses is handmade and hand finished using traditional techniques. There are no big factory style molds being used here, so each frame is like a unique piece of art. Each pair features a subtle prism graphic on the arm that is more low key than a flashy logo. Even the case they come in, a clear prism-shaped box is super fashionable, and can even function as a rad clear clutch! The glasses are available now for pre-order at www.prismlondon.com and will hit stores in July.

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Stylehive’s Stylescopes Help You Face The Music This Week!

imageOne thing that can often be taken for granted is music. Even if your own musical talent only extends to playing “Hot Cross Buns” on the recorder, music is still bound to be a big part of your life. What would you do on your morning commute without a handful of stations to flip through? How would you ever get through your daily workout without your trusty iPod (aside from watching reruns of The Hills on the gym TV sets, of course)? Summer’s the time to kick back, relax, and show your appreciation for some sweet tunes on the road, at the beach, or… on your earlobes? Aries girls will channel their inner acoustic rock goddess with guitar pick earrings from Fred Flare and Scorpios can DJ on the go (or at least attempt to) with a portable USB turntable! Check the slideshow for your sign’s pick of music-inspired clothes, jewelry, and accessories!

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Oh, Snap! How To Get Shot By The Sartorialist

imageHave you spent far too much time checking out street style sites like The Sartorialist, angstily wondering why it’s that girl and not you mugging for Scott Schuman’s famous lens? If so, the time has come to ditch the voyeur role and become the stalked. Style blog Refinery 29 has put together a handy dandy table to show you exactly how. With helpful tips like “pile on” expensive accessories, smoke a cigarette in Soho or ride a vintage bike, it’s your one stop shop on the road to internet fashion fame. Not really into all the effort but want to be momentarily e-famous nonetheless? There are a couple of shortcut options: being “model pretty” or an old, rich European man. Easy, right? Check out the full chart here.

See more at The Frisky!